the Mobile Economy of Communications
The invention of the smartphone changed our working world as we know it, having our office always in our pocket. We are reachable at all times whether we like it or not. For better or worse, this has dramatically shifted our perception of communication with our coworkers, clients, and partners. We are connected and responsible in a way that continues to push the boundaries of traditional communications.
In light of this, 1500 word emails, meetings where people pile into a conference room, and back and forth phone calls are largely passé. Thanks to a host of disruptive apps in the market space, workplace communications have become more intuitive, ubiquitous, and more user-friendly than ever. Today we look at the apps that have had the most significant impact on how we communicate with each other at work, and the benefits they bring to your business.
Mobilizing Your Business Chatter
One of the biggest game-changers for business communications has been the addition of chat applications. All of these come with desktop integrations that allow business colleagues to communicate easily without falling in the black hole of their email inbox. Apps like Slack, WhatsApp, and Ryver dominate this space.
They enable you to chat with each other while you’re on the go, prioritize topics and categorize group conversations, as well as condense your communication to one platform. You can use these Saas products to hold group chats, manage and share tasks, search discussions, and more. Their desktop integrations allow you to go from in-office to on the go without having to put your business communications on hold.
Mobilizing Your Video Conferencing
Video chat has completely changed the way we do meetings. Teams can have some face time with each other at the click of a button. This advantage helps not only around the office but also across the globe. In a matter of seconds, you can be chatting with your vendor in Hong Kong face to face.
With the addition of mobile apps like Zoom, WebEx, Google Hangouts, or GoToMeeting, you can now do this from anywhere. There’s no need to be in the office to hold a meeting. They’re an excellent tool for corporate entities, remote workforces, and freelancers alike who aren’t present in the office but need to be a part of the conversation.
Mobilizing Your Project Management
Possibly one of the greatest additions to the mobile business world is the ability to manage all of your complex projects from your pocket. There’s no more losing sticky notes or forgetting the agenda at home or in the office with mobile project management. With apps like Asana, Trello, or Basecamp, you can easily manage small tasks or complicated projects from your pocket.
Their sleek interface and simple functionality make it insanely easy to use. All you need is your mobile device to assign projects to people, share documents, track your time, and move projects along through their dedicated stages. There’s no more wondering what the status of the project is or where your team is at in the workflow. Managing the process of your project is as easy as opening the app and tapping on tasks.
What are your thoughts on the newer business communication apps for your mobile devices? Do you use them? Are they a lifesaver, or have they tied you to your desk wherever you go? Let us know how you feel about them in the comments below!